Indeed, the French newspaper report that former Lyon coach Gerard Houllier has sounded out ex-Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal about Januzaj, although the 21-year-old is unlikely to be given a glowing reference by the Dutchman, who sent him for a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund during their shared time at Old Trafford.

But Chronicle Live can confirm that any imminent move for Januzaj - who is under contract with the Red Devils until July 2018 - would be destined to fail.

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Under the terms of his loan agreement, Manchester United are prohibited from recalling the player before his season-long spell on Wearside is up, and are thus unable to loan or sell him to another club.